Rosa and Lia struggle with the choices that have been made for them. Rosa has a growing resentment and contempt for the Catholic Church. How do you think it's changed Lia?

Rosa and Lia struggle with the choices that have been made for them, most often against their will. Rosa has a growing resentment and contempt for the Catholic Church. How do you think it's changed Lia?

Lia, being younger, had the advantage of Rosa's strength to help soften the blow of their hardship. That said, she seems to be needful of love and affection and Donati often pictures her climbing on someone's lap or bestowing a hug. She is the soft counterpart to her tougher sister.

It almost seemed to me that Rosa's reaction - her resentment of the church - reflected what she believed the adults felt. She, as oldest, picked up on those feelings and claimed them. Lia, younger and the middle child, was less informed and acted more typically for a child her age. She has less anger and angst, seeks comfort and love and protection.

I think that Rosa will probably have a lifelong anger toward the church because of how it impacted her life and her siblings. I enjoyed reading the transcript of her conversation with the judge. She is wise beyond her years.